Liability in a T-bone collision usually depends on which driver had the right-of-way and whether either driver violated a traffic law. These crashes happen almost exclusively at intersections and access points, so fault typically comes down to who was legally entitled to enter the space at that time.
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Common fault scenarios include:
- Running a red light
- Running a stop sign
- Failing to yield while turning left
- Pulling out of a driveway or side street into traffic
- Entering an intersection when it was not safe to do so
The driver who strikes the side of the other vehicle is not automatically at fault. If a driver runs a stop sign and crosses into your path, you may hit their door, but they arguably caused the crash by taking your right-of-way.
How Do Right-of-Way Rules Affect Liability?
Right-of-way is often the central issue in a T-bone collision, and the rule that applies depends on the type of intersection where the crash happened.
At controlled intersections, the driver facing a red light or a stop sign must stop and yield before entering. At four-way stops, drivers take turns in the order they arrived, and if two vehicles stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. At uncontrolled intersections with no signals or signs, drivers must slow down and generally yield to vehicles approaching from the right.
A driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic, which is why the turning driver is often found at fault in left-turn crashes. Drivers pulling out of parking lots or private drives must yield to all traffic already on the road.
These rules decide who was supposed to yield, but having the right-of-way does not excuse careless driving. A driver who was entitled to proceed can still share fault for speeding, driving distracted, or failing to avoid a crash a reasonably attentive driver could have avoided.
Can Both Drivers Be at Fault?
Yes. Missouri follows comparative fault principles, meaning liability can be divided between drivers who each contributed to a crash. For example, if one driver runs a stop sign while the other driver, who had the right-of-way, was speeding or looking at a phone, it could be determined that they’re both partially responsible for the accident. An injured person’s compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.
What Evidence Helps Prove Fault in a T-Bone Crash?
Right-of-way disputes often come down to conflicting accounts, so objective evidence carries significant weight. Important evidence often includes:
- The police report
- Traffic camera footage
- Dashcam video
- Vehicle damage
- Witness statements
- Skid marks
- Debris at the scene
The intersection layout and traffic signal timing can also be important. There isn’t one piece of evidence that will tell the whole story or win the case for you; your St. Louis intersection accident lawyer can try to gather as much evidence as possible to build your case and prove that the other party was mostly responsible.
Does Vehicle Damage Show Who Caused the Accident?
Damage patterns help reconstruct how the collision happened. Front-end damage to one vehicle and side-impact damage to another shows the angle of impact, and crush depth can indicate relative speed. What damage cannot do on its own is establish who violated the right-of-way.
How Can a Missouri Car Accident Lawyer Help Determine Liability?
An attorney can investigate the intersection and its traffic controls, obtain video and witness evidence before it disappears, review the police report for errors, and analyze the vehicle damage. When the other driver’s insurer tries to argue that you were partially or entirely at fault, a lawyer can challenge inaccurate fault allegations, bring in accident reconstruction experts when needed, negotiate with the insurers, and file a lawsuit if liability remains disputed.
If you were hurt in a T-bone crash and the other side is disputing what happened, speak with a Missouri car accident lawyer before giving a recorded statement.
The initial case review with our team is free, so reach out today at (314) 300-6260 to schedule your consultation.